Wabash National Corp. has announced a 10-year agreement with Hydro, a leader in the global aluminum and energy industry.
Under this agreement, Hydro will be a key supplier for Wabash National’s demand for dry van trailers, refrigerated trailers with molded structural composite (MSC) technology, flatbed trailers, and truck bodies for the next 10 years (through 2031). This agreement also covers requirements of new products Wabash National may release through 2031, according to the company.
The enhanced supply couples with Wabash National’s recent announcement of additional dry van capacity, which is set to come online at the beginning of 2023, as well as future capacity of MSC Technology products.
Importantly, the trailer manufacturer noted, Wabash National and Hydro enter into a mutually beneficial business relationship that aligns both companies on “a shared long-term vision” of delivering sustainability to customers through continued collaboration and innovation.
“We selected Hydro as a strategic supplier partner because we share the same values and vision for where our industry is headed,” said Richard Mansilla, vice president, global supply chain. “We believe this partnership with Hydro will help us address our aluminum supply needs in the near term to aid in Wabash National’s ability to increase production of dry van trailers and refrigerated trailers and truck bodies with MSC Technology. Additionally, in the longer term, we plan to work more closely together on innovation and footprint optimization, all to the benefit of our customers, employees and shareholders.”
With operations in 40 countries, Hydro has supplied Wabash National with aluminum extrusions for over 12 years. The company is a three-time Wabash National supplier award winner and was named Supplier of the Year in 2020.
“As long-standing business partners, we’re excited to work more closely with Wabash National on our common passion for sustainability and innovation,” said Jerrod Hoeft, Hydro’s vice president national accounts, transportation. “At Hydro, we support industries that matter through the development of innovative products and solutions. Wabash National demonstrates the kind of visionary leadership that we desire in a strategic partner, and we look forward to creating breakthrough customer value under this expanded relationship.”